Saugatuck Rowing Club Issues Statement After Wednesday's Rescue

WESTPORT, CT — The Saugatuck Rowing Club is conducting a review of Wednesday's incident, in which 27 teenage rowers and two coaches had to be rescued from the waters off Westport, as Westport police also continues its investigation of what happened.

In a statement Thursday, Mihaela Ungureanu, the rowing club's CEO, said the organization wants "to understand the circumstances fully and to identify any areas" where the club's safety measures can be improved.

"First and foremost, we are grateful that all 29 individuals involved in the incident are safe and accounted for," Ungureanu said. "Two students had hypothermia and were taken to Norwalk Hospital, and they have recovered. Our rower’s well-being remains our utmost priority, and we commend the swift and effective response of the authorities involved in ensuring their rescue."

Wednesday's incident occurred just after 5 p.m. near Cockenoe Island. Three of the club's sculls, began to fill with water when the weather turned and the seas grew choppy.

"Rowing members were enjoying perfect weather when suddenly a squall created violent winds that swamped three crew boats, with each boat consisting of 8 rowers plus a cox," Ungureanu said. "The boats took on water and got swamped causing the rowers to abandon them."

The water temperature was 44 degrees at the time, according to authorities, and the air temperature was 40 degrees. Some of the rowers were in the water for a lengthy period of time before being rescued.

Westport police said on Thursday that among the topics being investigated is what weather advisories were posted before the rowers began their training.

Ungureanu said that changes in the weather can happen, despite extensive preparation.

"As with any outdoor sport, rowing inherently involves certain risks, and our club takes comprehensive measures to prioritize safety," Ungureanu said. "However, despite thorough planning and adherence to safety protocols, unexpected weather changes can occur, as was the case in this instance.

"We are currently conducting a review of the incident to understand the circumstances fully and to identify any areas where our safety procedures can be further strengthened.

"In the meantime, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all emergency responders involved: Marine Police, Firefighters, EMTs and The Coast Guard, for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring the safety of our young rowers and coaches.

"Saugatuck Rowing Club remains dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all
members, and we appreciate the continued support of our community during this time."

The Westport Police Marine Division, which is conducting the investigation, released the following information on Thursday about the incident:

• One of the capsized rowing sculls has not been recovered and is missing. The other two sculls were brought to Compo Marina last night.
• For all [the media] who asked about an operation this afternoon to locate and recover the sunken “chase boat,” [that] operation has been suspended. Weather conditions, small craft advisory, and some erroneous location information has guided this decision.
• Both rowers who were transported to Norwalk Hospital and treated for cold exposure have been released from the hospital.
• The total number of rowers/coaches involved in this incident stands at 29. We have determined that 19 people were in the water and 10 (9 rowers and 1 coach) were able to remain in their vessels.
• The investigation will focus on any weather advisories that were posted, available life jackets, experience of the rowers and coaches, and suitability of the vessels.
• As the Chief [Foti Koskinas] stated last night, Westport Police are looking to help prevent this from happening again, and we feel this investigation will aid in that mission.